A scoping review of antibiotic resistance through a One Health lens. Insights from the Nile Valley: Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a global issue that requires a One Health approach, addressing human, animal, and environmental health sectors together. The PRESAR network aims to reduce the emergence and spread of ABR in the Nile Valley, seeks to fill research gaps in ABR. This scoping review (ScR) focuses on mapping the existing literature and data on ABR in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan, specifically examining the application of the One Health approach and reviewing the national action plans (NAPs) of these countries. Methods The ScR was conducted using the PCC framework (population, concept, and context) and incorporated relevant keywords and MeSH terms in: Medline, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge. Two reviewers per sector (animal, environment/agriculture, human) screened articles, including peer-reviewed studies published in English across all years. Studies on non-bacterial or mycobacterial infections, and systematic reviews, were excluded. Data such as infection type, sample source, and observed resistance were recorded. The NAPs were compared with the WHO Global Action Plan (GAP) to assess similarities and differences. Results The review included 492 articles from Ethiopia, 331 from Egypt, and 31 from Sudan. Preliminary findings show that multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus and K. pneumoniae dominate human infections, while Staphylococcus spp. and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales are more prevalent in animal and environmental sectors. There was large variability in diagnostic methodologies used across the sectors and countries, which in turn may lead to discrepancies in identification of bacteria at the species level and thereby inaccurate epidemiological data on prevalence and burden. While NAPs are generally aligned with the GAP, variations exist in areas like process ownership, research capacity, and funding. Discussion The review underscores the need for more research in non-human sectors and highlights the importance of One Health in tackling ABR. We strongly advocate for a unified and strategic approach among local stakeholders, scientists, and international agencies to prioritize and fund research, aiming for a sustainable reduction in antibiotic resistance.
Source: Frontiers in Tropical Diseases
Authors: Leena Al-Hassan, Anya A. Nowbuth, Getachew Tesfaye Beyene, Biruk Yeshitela, Derbew Fikadu Berhe, Kassu Desta, Mistire Wolde, Thamarai Dorai-Schneiders, Amira Farouk, Mai Zafer, Rana ElShimy, Hadir El-Mahallawy, Nagwa El-Amin, Anne Roemer-Mahler, Sarra Aizzeldin, Paul G. Higgins, Aalaa Moghith, Papreen Nahar, Einas A. Osman, Maowia Mukhtar
Institutions: Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, University of Global Health Equity, Addis Ababa University, Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Cairo University, Galala University, Ahram Canadian University, Egyptian Drug Authority, National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Institute, Qassim University, University of Sussex, Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Health, University of Cologne, German Center for Infection Research, University Hospital Cologne, American University in Cairo, A'Sharqiyah University
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,353
Funder: Academy of Medical Sciences
OpenAlex ID: W6927287541